Answer To A Listener Question
DO HALLERIN AND I REALLY ARGUE?
Hallerin is one of the best friends I’ve ever had- inside or outside of broadcasting. Although our separate schedules keep us from spending a lot of off-hours together, we have developed a great relationship over the thirteen years we have worked together. I believe our relationship is made stronger because of intellectual, spiritual, and cultural challenges we make to each other.
Hallerin is an optimist, a motivator, and a dreamer. I have dealt with the empirical world of news gathering for so long that I am much more cynical. That leads to some interesting talks.
My wardrobe is from the Emmet Kelley collection. Hallerin is always impeccibly dressed, even if he is wearing a sweatshirt and jeans, he looks like a model for GQ. On the other hand, I look more like a before picture in a Weight Watchers ad. I admire his fashion sense, but it would drive me nuts looking so nice all of the time. I would be so afraid of ripping a hole in an expensive suit coat, I would be miserable the whole time I wore it.
The verbal jousting you hear on the radio is real. We have some basic personality and philosophical differences on many subjects. And I love to tease Hallerin.
But we are both committed to the success of the show, and our philosophy of what the program should be for the listener is the same. I can think of no one better to be the hub of a morning news and talk show than Hallerin. Frankly, I’m surprised he has stayed in Knoxville, because he could be quite wealthy working in a larger market.
But the most important thing Hallerin and I share is our love for our Savior, Jesus Christ. Although we are different denominations, we have found common ground in the Scripture ,and often share prayer needs with each other.
(Chris Marion, our producer is also a fine man and a Christian who ia included on the program every step of the way. Chris makes things happen. He is the magic of blending sounds and stories, while keeping us all on-time.)
I hope that answers a question that I hear often. We may disagree, the arguments are sometimes real but never made in anger, and the cut-off microphones, and sometimes funny sound bites are all meant to give you a smile and get your morning started.
Bottom line: I have never worked with a finer man. He will go far in life, family and career. And he has a beautiful and loving family, too.
-Foulk
